Goat Island

Goat Island is an integral part of Sydney's history, being previously inhabited by Bennelong and Barangaroo. After the first settlement, Goat Island was then used to house convicts and a gunpowder storage depot. It is a crucial part of Port Jackson and houses the Queen's Magazine, which stored explosives. After this, the island then became home to a water police station and harbour fire brigade, and today it is used as an unusual filming location as well as a tourist site.

Take a ferry to Goat Island from Circular Quay and get a ticket that includes the Goat Island Heritage Tour to learn about the island's history. This 300-metre island is made up of sandstone and lies west of Sydney's Harbour, showcasing panoramic views and a unique vantage point of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Harbour Master's Residence is one of the principal buildings on the island; a luxury mansion that sits at the highest point on the land. Visit the residence to see a new view from the island.

Many people choose to bring in the New Year on Goat Island due to its prime location to see the fireworks, and the island has also hosted concerts with the likes of Green Day, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and Midnight Oil playing. To secure tickets, be sure to plan ahead as the island has limited capacity.

Take a short 15-minute ferry to Goat Island and explore the rich history and stories of the island during your stay in Sydney.